In Victor Hugo's "Les Misérables," the author explores the hidden inner turmoil that many men endure. He likens this suffering to a monstrous dragon that quietly gnaws at their souls, inflicting despair that is unknown to those around them. These men live outwardly normal lives, but underneath lies a profound, invisible anguish that they carry alone. This pain is described as a parasitic force, relentlessly causing distress and ultimately leading them toward despair.

The imagery of the "gulf" suggests that while these men may appear stagnant on the surface, they harbor deep emotional struggles that remain unseen. Their experiences may occasionally manifest outwardly through subtle changes or expressions of distress, resembling the surface disturbances of water disturbed by an unseen force below. This description captures the essence of their concealed suffering and the complexity of human emotion, revealing the unseen battles that many silently fight.